Take Test 10 exactly one week before your real exam. Same time of day as your actual CAE. Same room. Same headphones. After grading, do not panic. Review only your errors. If you scored above 24/30, you are in the passing range (C1 level). If 28/30 or above, you are aiming for Grade A (C2 level).
You cannot simply "do" 10 tests randomly. Here is a week-by-week strategy to maximize your improvement.
A 3-minute lecture or talk with 6 multiple-choice questions. The audio trains you to follow a structured argument and recognize signposting language (“However…”, “The key point is…”, “In contrast…”). Take Test 10 exactly one week before your real exam
Simulate exam conditions
Use the audio effectively
Review answers strategically
Targeted practice between tests
Use answer keys and transcripts for learning
Mock exam repetition and progress tracking Simulate exam conditions
The multiple-matching conversations (Part 3 of listening) are perfect models for the Speaking Part 3 collaborative task. Listen to how speakers interrupt politely (“If I could just add…”), agree partially (“That’s true up to a point, but…”), and ask for opinions (“What’s your take on that?”). Transcribe two or three of these conversations and practice them with a study partner.
The error: Playing the audio while cooking, driving, or scrolling on your phone.
The fix: Active listening means sitting at a desk, pencil in hand, with the question paper open. You must write your answers during the 40-second pause after each part. Use the audio effectively